6 September 2017

Lot 141

1956 Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint Coupé by Touring

Chassis no. AR 1900C 10160

Engine no. AR 1308 01053

Sold for £155,250

Documents: Form 13.20 A

The pinnacle of development of Alfa Romeo’s 1900 series

Eligible for vintage tours and concours d’elegance

In late 1955, Alfa Romeo updated its classic 1900 one last time, creating the ‘final flowering’ of its 1900 series. Henceforth known as the Super Sprint, the 1900 series still featured specialized examples of coachwork by Zagato and others, while Touring of Milan continued to build the factory-specified coupé bodywork. The 1900C Super Sprint’s key distinguishing feature was a revised version of the engine, with increased displacement from 1,884 cc to 1,975 cc, a higher compression ratio, twin Weber carburettors and four valves per cylinder.

As seen on the offered 1900C, Touring introduced a new version of its prior 1900 coachwork for the Super Sprint, accommodating the shorter chassis with one window per side rather than the outgoing coupé’s two-window configuration. The new Touring design was known as the Tipo 4, or three-window coupé, and it eliminated the prior car’s rear-fender bulges in favour of straight, streamlined haunches. It is thought that chassis number 10160 is one of fewer than 200 examples of the 1900C Super Sprint that remain in existence.

Chassis number 10160 is accompanied by a letter from Automobilismo Storico Alfa Romeo which confirms that the 1900C Super Sprint was completed on 10 August 1956. Sold in Italy just one week later, the vehicle eventually made its way north to Sweden. Restored under Swedish ownership, chassis 10160 was enjoyed greatly before undergoing another comprehensive restoration, which was completed in 2007. Sold to the current owner in 2010, a copy of the cancelled Belgian title remains with the vehicle. Invoices from November of last year show maintenance work performed in preparation for sale, including replacement of brake parts and electrical work.

A great driver and a beautifully elegant car, this Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint is the perfect companion for any rally or tour.